SALINE CO. (WSIL) -- You can safely watch a holiday movie while supporting high school students a part of the CEO program.
The CEO program is a hands-on class where students work together to raise money during the fall semester.
In this case, they're putting on a free showing of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" as a drive-in event and are just asking for donations.
Then in the spring, those funds are used to start their own individual businesses.
Instructor Amy Mings says Saline County is one of 52 communities nationwide to have a program like this.
Kids from Harrisburg, Eldorado, Carrier Mills and Galatia are participating this year and are meeting virtually due to social distancing guidelines.
Ming adds that the students also earn dual credit at Southeastern Illinois College and learn valuable skills while meeting with local business owners and city leaders.
"They learn everything about business. Business etiquette, how to shake someone's hand and look someone in the eye," she explains. "To marketing and accounting and how to use social media."
Several students shared their business ideas with News 3 including repurposing vintage items and turning them into candles, making and selling t-shirts, and refurbishing a camper letting nature seekers rent it out.
One student came in with her business already established and is using the class as a way to grow it.
That's Gracie Harrawood who launched her cosmetic company last month including lip balms and glossed.
Harrawood handmakes all of her own products, which sold out within 24 hours of being released. Since then, she's been restocking products and has made it her goal to create an eye shadow pallete with the funds she receives from the drive-in.
The Eldorado High School senior says she and the other students in the CEO program hope the community will come out to show their support.
"The donations will really help all of our individual businesses succeed and we know it's a difficult time during COVID and everything that's going on," Harrawood adds. "It would be a great opportunity to have some family fun."
A food truck will be on-site and students will also be selling cookies.Â
It's taking place at 107 Veterans drive in Harrisburg starting on Friday, December 18 at 6 p.m.
Movie-goers are encouraged to come early and mind social distancing guidelines.
For more information, click .
